Bible Studies. By M. M. Kalisch, Ph.D. Part I. The
Prophecies of Balsam (Numbers xxii.-xxiv.) ; or, the Hebrew and the Heathen. Part II. The Book of Jonah, preceded by a Treatise on "The Hebrew and the Stranger." (Longmans.)—These learned and ingenious "studies" are worthy of the attention of all who are interested in Biblioal re- search. They are, it seems, the recreations of an enforced leisure, by which the author has been compelled to interrupt more serious or more continuous labour,. But they are such as may well be thought to give a good account of all an author's time. The criticism is more free than we are used to in England. Balsam, for instance, is, so to speak, rehabilitated. The representations which have attached to his name the stigma of covetousneas and of evil counsel are regarded as later secretions. The New Testament allusions, which, however, the author does not expressly mention, must be considered to refer to the popular, not to the historical character. The treatment of the narra- tive and the prophecy of Jonah is guided by similar prineiples. Both "studies" raise a number of questions which, profoundly interesting as they are, it is beyond our present purpose to discuss. We must be content, while leaving those as adhuc sub judice, to recommend Dr. Kalisch's volumes to the reader most unreservedly.
Previous page
